THYROID AND PARATHYROID DISORDERS SHEEN MARK T. BILBAO, RN MAN LEVEL 4 FACULTY UNIVERSITY OF CEBU - BANILAD CAMPUS COLLEGE OF NURSING
GOITER
GOITER Enlargement of the thyroid gland Usually caused by an iodine-deficient diet
Usually caused by an iodine-deficient diet Foods rich in iodine: Seaweeds Most fresh fish Sea salt Iodized salt
TYPES OF GOITER Toxic goiter – accompanied by hyperthyroidism Non-toxic goiter – associated with a euthyroid state Simple/colloid goiter – caused by iron deficiency; usually asymptomatic Nodular goiter – may be due to hyperplasia; asymptomatic; some may become malignant & some associated with a hyperthyroid state
HYPOTHYROIDISM
HYPOTHYROIDISM Deficiency of the thyroid hormones O ccurs most frequently in older women
Causes: Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease) Radioiodine (I131) or antithyroid drug therapy Thyroidectomy Central hypothyroidism Thyroid deficiency present at birth: CRETINISM
ASSESSMENT Clinical manifestations (adults) are based on 3 concepts: 1. Decreased metabolic rate 2. Decreased body heat production 3. Hypercalcemia – leads to decreased neuromuscular irritability
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS - extreme fatigue - hair loss, brittle nails & dry skin - numbness & tingling of fingers - menstrual disturbances, loss of libido - Myxedema - weight gain, subnormal temperature, & HR, cold intolerance - thickened skin, hair thins &B falls out - dulled mental processes, apathy - slow speech, husky hoarse voice, enlarged tongue, hands & feet; deafness may occur - constipation - personality and cognitive changes
- Myxedema coma – rare, life-threatening - hypothermia - depressed respiratory drive - unconsciousness - precipitated by infection/systemic disease, use of sedatives/opioid analgesics, cold Complications : Pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, respiratory muscle weakness, increased serum cholesterol level, CAD, poor left ventricular function.
“Everything is low, slow and dry.” In myxedema coma, all vital signs are profoundly depressed. It is potentially fatal.
NURSING PROCESS
NURSING DIAGNOSES Activity intolerance r/t fatigue and depressed cognitive process Risk for imbalanced body temperature Constipation r/t depressed GI function Deficient knowledge about therapeutic regimen for lifelong thyroid replacement therapy Ineffective breathing pattern r/t depressed ventilation Disturbed thought processes r/t depressed metabolism and altered cardiovascular and respiratory status
PLANNING Medical Management Goal: To restore a normal metabolic state by replacing the missing hormone Increased participation in activities & increased dependence Maintenance of normal body temperature Return of normal bowel function Knowledge and acceptance of prescribed therapeutic regimen Improved respiratory status and maintenance of normal breathing pattern Improved thought processes Absence of complications
INTERVENTIONS Administer pharmacologic medication: Synthetic levothyroxine (Synthroid or Levothyroid ) monitor for s/s of angina, ⇧ BP & tachycardia Take in the morning without food May cause bone loss & osteoporosis IV administration (if myxedema coma) continued with oral therapy Drug interactions: increase: blood sugar levels, effects of digitalis glycosides, anticoagulants, indomethacin phenytoin (Dilantin) & TCA’s increase effects of thyroid hormone meds
INTERVENTIONS Corticosteroids Monitor vital functions ABG, pulse oximetry Administer fluids cautiously Deep breathing & coughing exercises, incentive spirometry Administer hypnotics and sedatives with caution Maintain patent airway through suction & ventilator support
INTERVENTIONS Corticosteroids con’t . Promote independence in self-care activities Provide extra layer of clothing or extra blanket Manage constipation Improve thought process orient to time, place, and person provide stimulation through conversation and nonthreatening activities monitor cognitive & mental processes
INTERVENTIONS Corticosteroids con’t . Promote independence in self-care activities Provide extra layer of clothing or extra blanket Manage constipation Improve thought process orient to time, place, and person provide stimulation through conversation and nonthreatening activities monitor cognitive & mental processes
INTERVENTIONS Corticosteroids con’t . Monitor & manage complications ⇩ LOC, dementia V/S Difficulty in awakening patient Turn & reposition at intervals to avoid risks associated with immobility
INTERVENTIONS Corticosteroids con’t . Teach patients on self-care desired action & side effects of meds importance of continuing meds as prescribed even after s/s improve nutrition & diet ( high fiber, low calorie, adequate fluid intake) to promote weight loss & normal bowel patterns Foods that can inhibit thyrod secretion: strawberries, peaches, pears, cabbage, turnips, spinach, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, radish, peas Avoid infections Prevention: screening of TSH levels recommended for women >50 y.o . with 1 or more symptoms
EVALUATION Reports decreased level of fatigue; no chest pain or breathlessness Maintains baseline body temperature Reports normal bowel function Describes therapeutic regimen correctly Shows improved respiratory status & maintenance of normal respiratory rate, depth, and pattern Shows improved cognitive functioning
HYPERTHYROIDISM
HYPERTHYROIDISM Hypersecretion of thyroid hormones Severe form: THYROID STORM/ THYROTOXIC CRISIS (THYROTOXICOSIS) Occurs most frequently in older women
CAUSES Graves’ Disease (Toxic diffuse goiter) Toxic nodular goiter Thyroiditis after irradiation of the thyroid Presence of tumor Excessive ingestion of thyroid hormone Associated with emotional shock, stress, or infection
ASSESSMENT Clinical manifestations are based on 3 concepts: Increased metabolic rate Increased body heat production Hyp0calcemia – leads to increased neuromuscular irritability
ASSESSMENT THYROID STORM/THYROTOXIC CRISIS: Hyperpyrexia (above 38.5°C) extreme tachycardia (>130 bpm) exaggerated s/s of hyperthyroidism with disturbances of a major system altered mental state Precipitated by stress – injury, infection, surgery, tooth extraction, DKA, pregnancy abrupt withdrawal of antithyroid meds Complications: dysrhythmias, heart failure, osteoporosis, and fractures
“Everything is high, fast and wet.” Eye manifestations ( exopththalmos , lid lag, bright-eyed stare
NURSING PROCESS
NURSING DIAGNOSES Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements r/t exaggerated metabolic rate, excessive appetite, and increased GI activity Ineffective coping r/t irritability, hyperexcitability, apprehension, and emotional instability Low self-esteem r/t changes in appearance, excessive appetite, and weight loss Altered body temperature
PLANNING Medical Management Goal: To reduce thyroid hyperactivity Improve nutritional status Improve coping ability Improve self-esteem Maintenance of normal body temperature Absence of complications
INTERVENTIONS Administer pharmacologic medications: Radioactive Iodine Therapy Use of irradiation with the radioisotope iodine 131 Monitor for hypothyroidism Contraindicated during pregnancy & BF Place pt on isolation for a few days – use gloves when handling body secretions
INTERVENTIONS Antithyroid medications Action: block the utilization of iodine by interfering with the iodination of tyrosine and coupling of iodotyrosines in the synthesis of thyroid hormones Agents: Propylthiouracil (PTU) Methimazole ( Tapazole ) Toxic complications: fever, rash, urticaria, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, pharyngitis, mouth ulcers Instruct not to use decongestants for nasal stuffiness
INTERVENTIONS Iodine or Iodide compounds suppresses release of thyroid hormone/ reduce activity of thyroid hormone and the vascularity of the thyroid gland usually given with antithyroid meds to prepare the patient for surgery give with milk or fruit juice, using straw avoid cough medications, expectorants, bronchodilators, and salt substitutes monitor for iodine toxicity ( iodism ): swelling of the buccal mucosa, excessive salivation, coryza, skin eruptions
Potassium iodide (KI)
Lugol’s solution
Saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI)
INTERVENTIONS Other medications: Beta-adrenergic blocking agents - Reduces peripheral symptoms, myocardial oxygen consumption, heart rate and improve myocardial efficiency b. Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone)
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT Subtotal thyroidectomy Preop: Promote euthyroid state
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT Subtotal thyroidectomy Postop: Position: fowlers with head, neck, and shoulders erect Monitor for bleeding and edema Monitor for hypocalcemia Assess for recurrent laryngeal nerve damage Monitor for thyroid storm
Improve nutritional status Small frequent feedings Replace fluids lost through diarrhea and diaphoresis Avoid highly-seasoned foods and stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola, and alcohol High calorie, high protein foods Monitor weight and dietary intake
Provide a non-stimulating, quiet, and cool environment Change beddings & clothing as needed; give cool baths, cool or cold fluids Improve self-esteem Eye care and protection for ocular changes – instill artificial tears and wear dark sunglasses under the sun
Monitor s/s of thyroid storm, cardiac and respiratory function Monitor ECG, ABG, pulse oximetry Administer oxygen Teach patients on self-care desired action & side effects of meds importance of continuing meds indefinitely & consequences of failing to take meds avoid stressful situations that may precipitate thyroid storm s/s of hypothyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism Hyposecretion of parathormone Characterized by: decreased intestinal absorption of dietary calcium and decreased resorption of calcium from bone
Causes Interruption in blood supply or surgical removal of parathyroid gland after thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, or radical neck dissection Atrophy of the parathyroid glands
Assessment Clinical manifestations are based on: hyperphosphatemia Hypocalcemia: causes irritability of neuromuscular system
Manifestations Chief symptom: tetany Latent tetany: Numbness, tingling, and cramps in the extremities; Stiffness in hands and feet
Manifestations (+) Trousseau’s sign occluding blood flow to the arm for 3 mins with a BP cuff induces carpopedal spasm (+) Chvostek’s sign sharp tapping over the facial nerve just in front of the parotid gland and anterior to the ear causes spasm or twitching of the mouth, nose, and eye
NURSING DIAGNOSES Ineffective airway clearance r/t spasm of airways Risk for injury and aspiration r/t seizure activity Ineffective cardiac tissue perfusion r/t altered rate and rhythm of contraction of the heart
PLANNING Promote and maintain airway clearance Promote safety and prevent injury Absence of complications
INTERVENTIONS Medical management goal: To increase serum Ca to 9 – 10 mg/dL and eliminate symptoms of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia
INTERVENTIONS For hypocalcemia and tetany after thyroidectomy: administer IV calcium gluconate slowly and cautiously place pt. on continuous cardiac monitoring for cardiac dysrhythmias Parenteral parathormone
INTERVENTIONS Provide an environment free of noise, drafts, bright lights, or sudden movement Place on seizure precaution Prepare for tracheostomy or mechanical ventilation, plus bronchodilators
INTERVENTIONS Diet: high in calcium, low in phosphorus Avoid milk, milk products, and egg yolk Avoid spinach Oral calcium supplements Aluminum hydroxide ( Gelusil , Amphojel ) Vitamin D preparation ( eg , dihydrotachysterol , ergocalciferol, or cholecalciferol)
EVALUATION Absence of respiratory difficulties Free from injury and aspiration Absence of cardiac dysrhythmias
HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Hyperparathyroidism Overproduction of parathormone Characterized by: bone decalcification high serum Ca levels ⇢ development of renal calculi
Causes Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) Adenoma due to overgrowth of cells in one of the glands; 85% Hyperplasia in more than one gland; 15% Parathyroid cancer; <1% (rare) Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in response to hypocalcemia and associated hyperplasia Seen in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF)
Assessment Clinical manifestations are based on: Hypercalcemia: decreases excitation potential of nerve and muscle tissue Bone demineralization
Manifestations May have no symptoms ⇧ serum calcium level: Apathy Fatigue Muscle weakness Nausea, vomiting, constipation Hypertension, cardiac dysrhythmias
Manifestations Psychological effects: irritability and neurosis to psychoses Formation of renal stones, abdominal pain and hematuria Complication: renal damage – obstruction, pyelonephritis, and renal failure
Manifestations Musculoskeletal symptoms: Skeletal pain and tenderness Pain on weight-bearing Pathologic fractures Deformities Shortening of body stature
Complication HYPERCALCEMIC CRISIS Serum Ca >15 mg/dL Life-threatening neurologic, CV, and renal symptoms
NURSING PROCESS
Nursing Diagnoses Risk for injury r/t demineralization of bone Impaired mobility r/t skeletal pain and pain on weight-bearing Ineffective renal tissue perfusion r/t presence of renal stones
Planning Promote safety Improve mobility Absence of renal complications
Interventions Prepare patient for surgery Parathyroidectomy : recommended treatment for primary disease Postop: constipation is common early postop complication: hypocalcemia – monitor for s/s of tetany
Interventions Hydration therapy OFI of 2000 mL or more Cranberry juice or cranberry extract tablets Avoid dehydration Avoid thiazide diuretics Move patient slowly and carefully
Interventions Encourage mobilization Administer oral phosphates – long-term use not recommended due to risk of ectopic calcium phosphate deposition in soft tissues Avoid a diet with restricted or excess calcium
Intervention (Hypercalcemic Crisis) Rehydration with IV fluids Diuretics Phosphate therapy Biphosphonates ( eg , etidronate [ Didronel ]) – prevent loss of bone density Pamidronate [ Aredia ]) – to treat high blood calcium levels; diseases that causes abnormal & weak bones Cytotoxic agents ( Mithramycin), calcitonin (to decrease skeletal Ca release and increase renal clearance of Ca), and dialysis
Evaluation Free from injury and fractures, identifies safety hazards and methods of injury prevention Improved mobility Absence of renal complications